Throughout Lifehacker’s archive of over 14,000 posts, we’ve mentioned hundreds of free web and desktop apps that help you get things done—but which are the best? As we wrap up the year 2007, it’s the perfect time to put together an authoritative guide to our favourite pieces of free software and web services for common computing tasks on every platform. After the jump, check out our favourite freebies to date in over 20 categories and counting, as we add your suggestions to the list.
Application Launchers
Backup Utilities
BitTorrent
Bookmarks
Calendar
Desktop Search
Disk Space Visualizers
DVD Rippers
File Syncing
Image Editing
Image Viewers/Managers
Instant Messenger
Macro Makers
Media Players
- VLC (Windows/Mac OS X/Linux, open source)Previous coverage: Download of the Day: VLC Free Media Player, Rip DVDs with VLC
- MediaMonkey (Windows, freeware with paid upgrade)Previous coverage: Download of the Day: MediaMonkey (Windows), Whip Your MP3 Library into Shape, Part I – Level the volume, Whip Your MP3 Library into Shape, Part II – Album art, Alpha Geek: Whip your MP3 library into shape, Part III: Metadata
- foobar2000 (Windows, freeware)Previous coverage: Download of the Day: foobar2000, Roll Your Own Killer Audio Player with foobar2000, The Beautiful and Varied World of foobar2000 (Screenshot Tour)
Password Managers/Helpers
PDF Readers/Writers/Editors
Personal Finance/Money Managers
Start Pages
Telephony Managers/Helpers
Text Editors
To-do List Managers
Virus Killers and Malware Cleaners
Web Clippings
Wikis
Zip File Extractors
Phew! Surely we missed one or two or 16 items on this list, so now we pass the torch to you, dear reader. What should be here that isn’t? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add to it as we go.
